<h2><b>A gripping new historical fantasy series that intertwines Irish mythology with real-life history. <i>The Children of Gods and Fighting Men</i> is the thrilling debut novel by Shauna Lawless.</b> </h2><p>981 AD. The King of Dublin is dead. His widow, Gormflaith, has ambitions for her son – and herself – but Ireland is a dangerous place and kings tend not to stay kings for long. Gormflaith also has a secret. She is one of the Fomorians, an immortal, magical race. She has kept her powers hidden at all costs, for there are other immortals in this world – like the Tuatha Dé Danann, warriors who are sworn to kill Fomorians.</p><p>Fódla is one of the Tuatha Dé Danann with the gift of healing. Her kind are forbidden to live amongst the mortals, but Fódla agrees to help her kin by going to spy on Brian Boru, a powerful man who aims to rule Ireland. She finds a land on the brink of war – a war she is desperate to stop. However, preventing the loss of mortal lives is not easy with Ireland in turmoil and the Fomorians on the rise.</p><p><b>Reviewers on <i>The Children of Gods and Fighting Men</i>:</b></p><p>'Rife with atmosphere and armies, magic and compelling characters.' <b>H.M. Long</b> <br />
'I was hooked from page one.' <b>Anthony Ryan</b> <br />
'Gripping and beautiful.' <b>Anna Smith Spark</b></p>
<p>An Irish historical fantasy adventure that intertwines traditional mythology with the tenth-century wars in Ireland.</p>
'<i>Highlander</i> meets <i>The Last Kingdom</i> as feuding clans of magical undying vie for control of tenth-century Ireland in this assured and captivating debut. Themes of motherhood and conflicted obligation lie at the heart of Shauna Lawless's historical fantasy, explored through the eyes of two powerful women compelled to navigate a land where men hold sway, or think they do. I was hooked from page one'
Anthony Ryan
'Gripping and beautiful. A Celtic <i>Last Kingdom</i> with wild magic and fierce heroines'
Anna Smith Spark
'A compelling and fascinating tale, written with great skill, that draws the reader into a world full of magic, betrayal, warring kings and mythology. With all the complex political machinations of <i>A Song of Ice and Fire</i> and the bloody battles of The Warlord Chronicles, it's ideal for fans of both'
Stephen Aryan
'A vividly written story that makes the ancient past feel contemporary'
Joseph O'Connor, author of Star of the Sea and Shadowplay
'A beguiling blend of fantasy, history, and politics... Every turn of the page ratchets up the tension. To read this novel is to fall into a richly imagined web of lives. A gripping start to this series'
D.K. Fields
'An atmospheric journey into a thrilling historical fantasy world that feels like it should be real'
R.J. Barker
<p>Greek and Norse mythology is experiencing a resurgence and there's a gap in the market for Irish mythology and history.</p>
<p>Debut Irish author with a passion for history and mythology.</p>
<p>Ireland's answer to <i>Game of Thrones</i>.</p>
<p>MARKET: E.J. Mellow; Genevieve Gornichec; H.M. Long; George R.R. Martin.</p>